Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts

I’ve accepted an offer of employment at the Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts in Sonoma County, Calif. I’m intrigued by the emphasis on the arts at this charter school, having devoted much professional effort toward advocating for the arts.

Bellview library reshelving project

Book range, made up of sections of shelving in Bellview library

Among my efforts to provide outstanding service to customers in Bellview library, I recently completed a major reshelving project amidst the library’s daily routines.

Sonoma County, Calif.: Seeking professional opportunities

I have significant news to share with network contacts. My family is in the process of relocating to Sonoma County, Calif., and today I submitted the “Intent to Return” document that, in this case, communicates that I will not return this fall to Bellview Elementary School.

Quinny & Hopper wins Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award

Results are in: Quinny & Hopper by Adriana Brad Schanen is the 2017 winner of the Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award, and was also top vote-getter among Bellview Elementary School students.

The Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award (BCCCA) is sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries (OASL), formerly the Oregon Educational Media Association (OEMA). The award is named in honor of Beverly Cleary, the Oregon-born children’s book author.

According to a description on the BCCCA website, children of all ages vote each spring for their favorite title from the list of nominated books. Nominations include books targeted to the reading ability of second- and third-graders or transitional readers.

The idea behind the BCCCA began in the summer of 2001 when Jann Tankersley invited some OEMA friends to discuss the possibilities of creating a children’s choice award. Tankersley is a long-time OASL member and library teacher at Dayton Elementary School.

The group of friends decided to name the award after Beverly Cleary, who wrote for the age group that was being targeted. With Cleary’s permission, the award was created.

Suggestions are currently being accepted for the next award cycle.

Nominated books can be fiction or informational, but should be quality literature, published three years prior to the nomination year, and at a second-grade or third-grade reading level (taking into account vocabulary, graphic support and physical layout of the books).

The purpose of the contest is to encourage reading of books that students may not otherwise find on their own and are not necessarily the popular best sellers. Please send ideas to BCCCA Chair Libby Hamler-Dupras, at elfgirl@Q.com.

Rogue Commute Challenge: will Ashland schools win again?

Image credit: Rogue Commute Challenge

In Ashland School District (ASD), the Health Promotions Committee is getting ready for the Rogue Commute Challenge, a competition among teams to log the most miles by bicycling, walking, carpooling, etc. -- any trip taken by not driving a car alone.

What was role of ‘culture fit’ in church’s hiring controversy?

Three senior-level staff have resigned from a religious denomination, following an outcry over its hiring practices and a lack of diversity among its senior leadership.

Schools recognized as Bicycle Friendly Businesses

Among the League of American Bicyclists’ latest round of “Bicycle Friendly Business” awardees, two elementary schools are the first to successfully apply. They are Ashlawn Elementary School in Arlington, Va (a new Silver BFB) and Oceano Elementary School in Oceano, Calif. (a new Gold). As someone who hopes to model bicycle-commuting to the children I come in contact with, I share pride for these schools’ accomplishments. I hope that many more schools (and businesses) follow their example.

Also posted to Librarian on a Bicycle

Oregon Battle of the Books: Next year’s list released

The complete list of titles has been released for next year’s Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB), which means I compiled an updated census of what’s available in Bellview library.

Kiwanis Club purchases books for Bellview library

To punctuate Ashland schools’ return from spring break, here’s an “attitude of gratitude.” The books shown here -- nominees in various “reader’s choice” awards that Oregon students can vote on -- were purchased for Bellview Elementary School library using money that was donated by the Kiwanis Club of Ashland, Oregon. Local groups and volunteers enrich our schools so much, and I am deeply appreciative.

Oregon Blue Book, new in Reference

New in Reference, for use in Bellview library, the Oregon Blue Book almanac and fact book (2017-2018) is sure to be an authoritative source for Oregon economy and government. Published regularly for more than 100 years, the 2017-2018 edition was donated to Bellview library compliments of the Oregon Secretary of State. Its web version can be visited at http://bluebook.state.or.us/.

‘The Rosie Project,’ fun to read, but book-club materials could be better

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is an amusing and fun read, but it includes book-club materials that demonstrate insensitivity toward the autistic community.

The book tells the story of Don Tillman, a genetics professor who takes a methodical approach to locating a “female life partner.” He drafts a 16-page questionnaire to screen for compatibility, but is brought together with a woman who wants to identify her biological father.

Rosie is everything that Don’s questionnaire indicates should NOT be his ideal match, but they are brought together by their joint project to identify Rosie’s paternity.